Scarlet Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Tank-Bred

Due to state restrictions on invasive species, we are not able to ship or sell any color morph of the Procambarus clarkii crayfish to the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

This species is prohibited to own in the above states, meaning it is illegal to possess them live in these states. This includes possession for consumption, education, aquarium trade, or any other live trade.

The Scarlet Crayfish is a vividly colorful variant of the similar species of the Electric Blue Crayfish (Procambarus alleni), though it is much less common in the hobby. It is also commonly known as the Scarlet Lobster, though true lobsters do not exist in freshwater. This species originates from the Southeastern United States, but all of our specimens are tank-raised. Like most Procambarus species, the Scarlet Crayfish reaches maturity very quickly and breeds easily in the aquarium. In fact, many of our specimens have bred in our tanks at our facility!

Though most crayfish are often reclusive by nature, this particular crayfish is very active by comparison and spends plenty of time exploring the floor of the aquarium in search of food. The Scarlet Crayfish is an omnivorous scavenger and will eat most any meaty or plant-based foods. This crayfish should not be kept with ornamental live plants as it will eat them at a surprising rate. It is a skilled climber, so extra care must be taken to ensure that it does not escape its enclosure.

As it reaches adulthood, the Scarlet Crayfish will become relatively territorial, so it may behave aggressively towards other animals in the tank. It is important that ample hiding places such as rockwork, driftwood, or PVC pipes be provided. This is even more crucial when housing multiple crayfish in the same tank. Due to the size and waste production of this crayfish, a minimum 30-gallon, well-filtered aquarium is necessary for one adult. A larger aquarium can house multiple adults of similar size. This is a very hardy animal, but regular water changes are vital to its optimal health. Other bottom-dwelling invertebrates and fish should not be kept with large crayfish. It is possible to keep mid- and upper-level, fast-swimming fish with the Scarlet Crayfish, but crayfish are opportunistic feeders and will generally eat whatever they can catch.

As with all of our crayfish, the coloration of the Scarlet Crayfish is EXTREMELY high quality - much higher quality than others on the market. This crayfish may TEMPORARILY change color and hide more than usual after molting, which may occur during shipping. If your crayfish is faded in color and you find a molt in the bag or in your aquarium, do not worry; this is normal and the bright color will return in 2 weeks or less.

NOTE: We recommend a tank size minimum of 30 gallons for this crayfish when it is fully grown. This will ensure that the crayfish is as happy and healthy as possible.

This is the scarlet variant of this species, with blue, white, and red/orange specimens also being available.

*IMPORTANT* Please "Choose a Variant" above before adding this crayfish to your cart. The variants we're currently offering are:

• 1 Male ScarletCrayfish - 2 to 3+ inch Young Adult(We guarantee a breeding age young adult male crayfish for this listing)
• 1 Female ScarletCrayfish - 2 to 3+ inches (We guarantee a breeding age young adult female crayfish for this listing).
• 1 Male/Female Pair of ScarletCrayfish - 2 to 3+ inches (We guarantee a breeding age young adult male/female crayfish pair for this listing).
• 1 B-GradeScarletCrayfish -2 to 3+ inch Young Adult (All of our B-Grade crayfish are simply specimens that are missing 2 or more legs and or 1 claw. Loss of appendages is not permanent and happens commonly with crustaceans. They are completely healthy and will completely regenerate lost appendages within 1 to 2 molts (about 2 to 3 months).
• 1 JuvenileScarletCrayfish- 1+ inch (A younger and smaller variant of ScarletCrayfishat alower price than our young adult specimens. This is a particularly fast-growing, hardy species and will usually grow well into adult size and coloration within 1 to 3 months. In the meantime, any customers who choose to go with a juvenile specimen can save some money and experience the excitement of watching their little crayfish grow!)

• Deep red coloration that makes for a wonderful centerpiece to the aquarium
• Much more active than many crayfish species
• Extremely hardy and adaptable
• Excellent scavenger

• Temperature: 65 - 76 F (18 - 24 C)
• pH: 6.5 - 7.5
• KH: 6 - 15 dKH
• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons

• Diet: Omnivorous. High-quality sinking pellets, plants, and freeze-dried or frozen meaty foods will be readily accepted. Cuttlebone should be added to the aquarium to supplement calcium, which will aid in exoskeleton production.
• Social behavior: Can be aggressive/territorial with its own kind. Crayfish will typically eat whatever they can catch, but since they are slow-moving, they are not often able to harm fast-moving fish.
• Average adult size: 4 - 5 inches (10 - 12.7 cm) body length, minus claws
• Average purchase size: 2 - 3 inches (5 - 7.6 cm) or larger
• Recommended Aquatic Arts tankmates: Fast-moving fish (such as Celestial Pearl Danios, Rasboras, Guppies, etc.). While dwarf shrimp can be kept successfully with these crayfish, caution should be exercised, as the crayfish have been known to catch and eat slow, sick, or particularly small shrimp. Cichlids can be aggressive toward crayfish and should not be kept in the same tank. Bottom-dwelling tankmates should definitely be avoided.
• Additional notes: Crayfish will typically eat whatever they can catch, but since they are slow-moving, they are not often able to harm fast-moving fish. They prefer foods like invertebrate pellets or blanched vegetables, but will also eat fish food and algae wafers. Crayfish molt periodically and sometimes eat their old exoskeleton.